"In one test when the inspector noted the speedo broke, the electric motor stopped working, a back door flew open, the spare wheel fell out, steering went wrong and suspension snapped. That was the end of that."

Handfuls of complaints from viewers came in claiming the presenter had overstepped the mark.

But a BBC spokeswoman said Clarkson's remarks were said with "tongue partially in cheek."

Elsewhere on the show, there was a guest appearance from new Need For Speed star and Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul.

In stylish fashion, the 34-year-old topped the Star In A Reasonably Priced Car table with the fastest time so far this series.